The Powell Experiment

Friday, February 11, 2011

I had a great time blogging a couple years ago and I am going to attempt this again, starting tomorrow, my 30th birthday. In the interim, here is a little snapshot of my growing baby girl playing in the snow!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

So, in honor of the fact that Annaleigh is just now starting to venture into a select few of her 3-6 month clothes (and I mean a few only), I am submitting the following pictures and facts. Luckily some of them are some onesies I bought in College Station. The year Annaleigh graduates college, it will be 2031. YUCK! Doesn't the year 2031 sound like something out of a Science Fiction novel. "In the YEAR 2031" Well, if all goes according to plan, she will be wearing the following on a much larger scale!

It started on Friday. Justin and I both took the day off, took Annaleigh to daycare and had an "us" day. We went to the movies on Friday AM, saw Star Trek, went to lunch, went back to see Wolverine and came home. It was so fun. We had not seen a movie together in a very long time.

On Saturday it was me and the little one. We hung out and just took it easy. It was alot of fun!

On Sunday, it was a great first Mother's Day. I had a long night before, so I ended up sleeping in. Justin got up and hung out with Annaleigh so I could sleep more than normal. When I got up Justin brought me a dozen roses and Annaleigh gave me a single rose. It was so cute! Justin then proceeded to make me an awesome breakfast of eggs, bacon, biscuits and OJ. mmmmm.....

After that we put Annaleigh on her floormat and played, where she proceeded to roll from her stomach to her back for the very first time! What a big girl! Soon after we got my parents and brother on the webcam and talked to them for about 20 min. Annaleigh was talking up a storm and looking right at them the whole time. It was awesome.

After that we just goofed around the house and then went to my in-laws for the evening, where little missy decided it was time to throw a huge hissy fit. She was, shall we say, a little backed up and gassy. Nothing we could do made her stop crying. Mylicon drops did not really help all that much at first. Bicycle pumps, nothing... I almost cried as it was the worst she has ever cried for us. Sweet little girl was in pain. Luckily, the next morning Justin called me at work to inform me that "she pooped!" I was so excited about that, it was sad. Funny how things like your baby pooping makes you happier!

Overall, it was a great relaxing day and weekend with the family. I am amazed every day by how much she changes and grows. I am trying to soak up as much of her changes and milestones as possible. I do feel guilty that I am not getting to enjoy these with her all the time. However, to be a good parent, I also have to be a provider, along with Justin, for this family. So to work I go!

So this being a working mommy thing is really eating into my blogging time. I hope to write a few entries today and tomorrow so make sure not to miss any!

4 month appointmentWe had our four month appointment a couple weeks a ago and she is doing great. 50th%tile in everything. We were told we could start on rice cereal whenever we felt comfortable with it. I decided to hold off a few more weeks at that point. The only thing she is somewhat struggling with is reaching for things. We were told to work with her intently on it and that should come in time. She was also on the verge of rolling over a couple days before the appointment, so we knew this was a matter of time. Besides that it seems like everything is really clicking with her.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

So I found this story a few weeks ago, but just saw their updated blog today. The Spohr family had a child who was born 11 weeks early (in November of 2007) and almost did not surive her first few days of life. Well, sadly, Maddie died on April 7th. Her mother and father have both left tributes to their beautiful daughter at the below blogs. (be prepared for strong tears-I cried almost my whole lunch) I can not even imagine what this family is going through, but they are obviously blessed to have such a wonderful person in their lives, even though it was brief.

Her parents are strong supporters and marchers for the March of Dimes. Please donate to the March of Dimes for Maddie and every other child who has left their parents far too soon. May God Bless you Maddie Spohr and family.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

So if you are a boy and do not want to read about my thoughts on breastfeeding, I suggest you do not read this post....

So I really have had time to think about my venture in breastfeeding the last few days, especially when I am sitting in the pump room at my office. When I found out I was pregnant, I knew I was going to breastfeed for her health benefits and cost efficiency. I had not really thought about the bond I would have with my child.

I love breastfeeding Annaleigh. Maybe because the minute they brought me to her she latched immediately and has not had a problem since. I love the smile she will have when she is falling asleep while eating. It is precious. I love how she folds her hands like she saying a little prayer to God thanking him for her food and asking God to bless it. I love how she whimpers right before she is about to eat and the sounds she makes when she first starts eating. I adore the sigh she makes when she is done eating. I miss those moments during the day, especially when I am hooked up to a machine.

Now that I am pumping 3 times a day I feel like a cow being hooked up to the equipment. Am I grateful for the pump and the relaxing private room my office has in place so I can give my milk to her? Absolutely. But I look forward to Friday, not because the work week is over, but beause I get the chance to reconnect with my daughter, through play, laughing, cooing, talking and even the feedings.

I actually am a little "upset" with my babysitter when I go to pick her up and find out she has just fed her and I have to wait until 8 or 9 to feed her again. Elaine has done nothing wrong, but Annaleigh is just going longer between feedings now, so I get a little sad when I find out I only get to have two total feedings in a day.

I realize I am going to start introducing solids in a couple of months and the feedings will come less frequently, so I am tying to take in all the quiet moments I share with my daughter every day in the morning and evening.

Well that is all I have to say about that. Sorry if that was a little too much on the personal side.....